See WPR-St. Norbert College 'Wisconsin Survey' Results

Wisconsin Public Radio and St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute

Release the Spring 2014 “Wisconsin Survey”

Madison – Wisconsin Public Radio and the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute on Wednesday released the results of their semi-annual Wisconsin Survey. The survey is a random telephone sample of 400 adult Wisconsin residents that asks their opinions on national and state government, economic and social issues. Some topics in the spring survey include: Wisconsin’s upcoming gubernatorial race, the minimum wage, the legalization of marijuana and marriage equality.

Dr. Wendy Scattergood, assistant professor of political science at St. Norbert College and associate at the Strategic Research Institute, provides a breakdown of the findings.

“In this survey, we have more Republicans than Democrats, which is different,” said Scattergood. In this survey 37 percent identified as Republicans, 32 percent as Democrats and 25 percent as independents. “Wisconsin is truly a swing state and the way Independents lean is how the state will swing,” she said.

Looking at the gubernatorial race, 97 percent of Republicans and 53 percent of Independents said they would vote for Gov. Scott Walker if the election were held today. “But, independents are also more likely to change their minds because they are less committed to the party, so those numbers could change over time,” said Scattergood.

The survey indicates that Wisconsinites are feeling more positive about the economy and support a raise in the minimum wage overall. “Compared to a year ago people are a lot more optimistic about their financial situation. Forty percent responded that they feel financially better off now than a year ago. Last spring, it was 32 percent,” said Scattergood.

On the question of minimum wage 86 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of independents and 30 percent of Republicans support a $10.10 per hour wage. Although Republicans were less-likely to support the $10.10 minimum wage, 54 percent responded that the minimum wage should be raised to more than the current $7.25.

Responses to social issues such as marijuana legalization, marriage equality, climate change and voter fraud reflected respondents’ age, religiosity and political affiliation. “With many of these issues, it’s up to those all-important Independents,” said Scattergood.

Tune in to Wisconsin Public Radio Ideas Network programs "The Joy Cardin Show" and "Central Time" this week for experts, including Scattergood, and analysis of the survey results.